WELCOME
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 418 MWs based in 30 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine. Becoming an MW means entering a unique wine community; one that brings enriching personal and professional opportunities, as well as lifelong friendships.
ABOUT US
The IMW’s mission is to promote excellence, interaction, and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. As well as running the MW study programme, our programme of worldwide events offers unparalleled opportunities to taste and learn. These tastings and seminars, including our international symposium, are open for anyone to attend – you don’t have to be a Master of Wine to join in.
FIND AN MW
The IMW’s directory of Masters of Wine allows you to search not just by name, but also by skills and specialisms. MWs are active all over the world and in all fields; MWs are winemakers, journalists, consultants, buyers, auctioneers, educators and much more. If you are looking for an MW in a particular country, expert comment on a specific style of wine, a speaker for your event, or experienced commercial advice, look no further.
THE MW EXAM
The MW exam tests the breadth and depth of a candidate’s theoretical knowledge and tasting skills in the art, science and business of wine. By passing the MW exam, you become a member of the IMW, gain the title Master of Wine and can use the initials MW after your name. The MW exam is a series of tasting and theory papers, plus an in-depth research project. You can find out about all stages of the exam, as well as downloading past papers, by clicking below.
Latest News
Five MW students win special IWSC Foundation scholarship
IMW supporter IWSC Foundation has awarded five stage two MW students with a special scholarship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They each share a portion of £25,000. IWSC Foundation made the fund available to current stage two MW students experiencing financial...
Features
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW launches wine publication
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW has announced the launch of The Wine Independent, a completely independent, back-to-basics subscriber model publication that focuses on expert reviews, with professional photojournalism and unprecedented search capabilities. Lisa and...
Geoffrey Moss MW receives the Villa Maria Award
Geoffrey Moss MW has received the Villa Maria Award for his outstanding knowledge and understanding of viticulture at the Institute of Masters of Wine's awards ceremony. The Villa Maria Award has been awarded annually to the person who earned the highest marks in the...
Adam Porter MW wins the Noval Award
At the IMW ceremony on 1 December 2021, Adam Porter MW received the 2020 Noval Award. The prize is given to the best research paper (RP) by a new MW, judged by Christian Seely, managing director of AXA Millesimes, Noval's owners. The RP is the final stage of the...
González Byass renews its partnership with the Institute of Masters of Wine
González Byass has renewed its supporter contract with the Institute of Masters of Wine. Dedicated to making fine sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain, González Byass is a family company founded in 1835. Well-known brands such as Tío Pepe Fino Sherry or Lepanto...
Heidi Iren Hansen MW wins the 2020 Bollinger Medal
Last night, Heidi Iren Hansen MW was announced as the 2020 winner of the Madame Bollinger Medal, which is awarded for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams. Heidi was announced as the winner by managing...
JCB Live with Alex Hunt MW
Jean-Charles Boisset of JCB Live catches up with Alex Hunt MW who us back in California wine country after a 20-month travel ban. Watch video
Susan Lin MW features in VinePair Podcast
Susan Lin MW discusses France's Loire Valley and the varieties coming out of the region in a recent VinePair Podcast episode. See here to listen to the episode or read the transcript
Anne McHale MW on why English fizz is on the rise
Anne McHale MW speaks in a recent AP Archive video about how the pandemic gave English producers a boost in 2020 and the reasons behind the surge of interest. Watch video
60 Minutes interview with Stephen Skelton MW on English sparkling wine and climate change
Stephen Skelton MW discusses English sparkling wine and climate change in a 60 Minutes interview with correspondent Lesley Stahl. Stephen comments, "We have more days over 85, 86 degrees Fahrenheit ... We're now where Champagne was 30 or 40 years ago." See here to...
Latest News
Five MW students win special IWSC Foundation scholarship
IMW supporter IWSC Foundation has awarded five stage two MW students with a special scholarship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They each share a portion of £25,000. IWSC Foundation made the fund available to current stage two MW students experiencing financial...
Geoffrey Moss MW receives the Villa Maria Award
Geoffrey Moss MW has received the Villa Maria Award for his outstanding knowledge and understanding of viticulture at the Institute of Masters of Wine's awards ceremony. The Villa Maria Award has been awarded annually to the person who earned the highest marks in the...
González Byass renews its partnership with the Institute of Masters of Wine
González Byass has renewed its supporter contract with the Institute of Masters of Wine. Dedicated to making fine sherries and brandies in Jerez, Spain, González Byass is a family company founded in 1835. Well-known brands such as Tío Pepe Fino Sherry or Lepanto...
Adam Porter MW wins the Noval Award
At the IMW ceremony on 1 December 2021, Adam Porter MW received the 2020 Noval Award. The prize is given to the best research paper (RP) by a new MW, judged by Christian Seely, managing director of AXA Millesimes, Noval's owners. The RP is the final stage of the...
Features
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW launches wine publication
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW has announced the launch of The Wine Independent, a completely independent, back-to-basics subscriber model publication that focuses on expert reviews, with professional photojournalism and unprecedented search capabilities. Lisa and...
JCB Live with Alex Hunt MW
Jean-Charles Boisset of JCB Live catches up with Alex Hunt MW who us back in California wine country after a 20-month travel ban. Watch video
Anne McHale MW on why English fizz is on the rise
Anne McHale MW speaks in a recent AP Archive video about how the pandemic gave English producers a boost in 2020 and the reasons behind the surge of interest. Watch video
Susan Lin MW features in VinePair Podcast
Susan Lin MW discusses France's Loire Valley and the varieties coming out of the region in a recent VinePair Podcast episode. See here to listen to the episode or read the transcript
OUR FRIENDS
PRINCIPAL SUPPORTERS
MAJOR SUPPORTERS
SUPPORTERS
ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH ASSOCIATES
